I know this is a European initiative, but I thought there might be some interest here from those who tour in Europe. The full article can be found at BikeRadar.com

The European Parliament has commissioned a study of the economic potential of cycle tourism. Researchers at the University of Lancaster in the UK are particularly keen to find out people's opinions on the EuroVelo touring route system.

The questionnaire asks for views on topics such as funding of EuroVelo, criteria for choosing a cycle touring route (on or off road, route signing, etc) and perceptions of the economic importance of cycle touring for the country you live in....

hi folks a couple of weeks ago the Government [over here in NZ] held a Job Summit to come up with a few ideas to deal with the rising unemployment in these tougher times and one of the best ideas was to build a Cycle track from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the deep south. Has had lots of positive support but not sure when things will kick off. The Central Otago rail trail is a good example of what can be done to get bums on bike seats and bring cash and services back into the countryside. cheers robbie